About Jonathan S.

About Jonathan

About

I am a Florida native, active doctoral student, teacher and practitioner. My career includes performing and recording as a guitarist and teaching subjects such as music or math. Grade-school academic strengths in mathematics represent my enthusiasm for the subject. The math equivalent in music can be considered music theory, which is another passion of mine. I hope to take these well-rounded characteristics to teach and influence others with what I have learned in my education and career thus far.

Education & Teaching Experience:

I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Musical Arts from Shenandoah University and hold a Masters of Music from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Music from Stetson University (all degrees with a guitar performance emphasis). I also have a temporary teaching certificate for Music K-12 fro

m the Florida Department of Education. I have taught in Florida as a preferred substitute for general music classes, K-12. In college, I have given study sessions for music theory levels ranging from 4-part writing to post-serialism.

While giving lessons:I ensure that every student receives fundamental foundation pertaining to the subject. While learning the basics, I advise that the student organizes their lessons and materials in a way that displays progress over time. With the proper knowledge, we can treat the heart of a subject with refinement in order to grasp it's purpose and reason---whether its music or math.

Why?My students have grown with confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Success does not only affect a person's well-being but can also impact other dimensions of their lives.

Jonathan S.

Jonathan S.

About Jason M.

About Jason

TakeLessons.com Instructor since 2005, Jason M. is now available for online lessons worldwide featuring multiple-camera angles and a share screen experience leaving no stone un-turned!

Jason has been playing guitar for over 15 years and teaching music since 1996. Although trained in standard teaching methods, he has developed his own method of teaching to positively enhance the students strength, dexterity, ear-training, memorization and techniques. His goal as a teacher is specifically designed to help you achieve your goals as an artist and a musician.

This year Jason was also the Music Director at the National Guitar Workshop Day Jams Rock Music Day Camp where students ages 7-15 came out to form bands, record original material and master their craft. He also taught beginning to advanced guitar/ vocals/ performance and songwri

ting as hosted a recording clinic at the end of each day.

Jason has host student showcases/charity benefits where his students were able to get on stage and show off their new talent and perform with other musicians. It wasn't mandatory though, if you were just looking to come out and support there was no pressure other than to come out and have fun.

Jason has been transcribing for guitar and bass since the age of 18 and since then has become a master of the craft including both 5 line staff and tablature, hand-crafted exercises and deconstructions to better enhance the students learning. Artists and genres that Jason has experience with range from Classic Rock, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Guns N' Roses, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Robert Johnson, Pierce the Veil, Paramore, All Time Low, Demi Lava to, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, The White Stripes, Green Day, Old Crow Medicine Show, Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Bruno Mars, Rob Zombie, John 5, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, Van Morrison, the Beatles, AC/DC, ZZ-Top, Bullet For My Valentine, All That Remains, Ozzy, Black Label Society, Sublime, Aerosmith, At the Drive In, Type O Negative, the Black Keys, the Pixies, the Toadies, Black Sabbath, Jason Mraz, Lady GaGa, John Mayer and Journey.

Jason attended the University of Alaska, Anchorage where his degree is in Music and Business. He is constantly continuing his education with music theory courses as well as private guitar instruction. He attends guitar workshops and seminars by artists such as John5 and Kerry King who are known as some of the worlds finest guitar players. He reviews every day from a wide range of over 1000 sources working to become a better musician and instructor.

Another nice feature that you might enjoy from one on one sessions with Jason is learning the ability to craft and record your own songs using state of the art technology that caters to your own unique personality. There are no limits!

Jason teaches all experience levels from beginner to intermediate and advanced as well as artists that are signed to labels.

Local news outlet Fox 5 did a segment with one of his students who overcame issues with ADD and depression as a result of taking guitar lessons.

His students advance quickly, some have released albums, been in Guitar World Magazine as well as its online companion and won awards for their music websites.

*** Lesson Details ***Lessons are scheduled to best fit to the student's schedule when possible. Students receive complimentary audio lessons and transcriptions of songs upon their first or second session. Jason is a very patient instructor and understands that students learn at a different pace, after all everyone is an individual.

Reviews

I'm a beginner at the guitar. My first lesson with Jason was very great. He starts with the basics and teaches you what you want to learn. Patient and nice.

Toddi July 20, 2017·Classical Guitar·In home

Jason is a remarkable teacher! He truly has been able to break through a mental block I've always had regarding thinking in chords rather than just reading notes. His desire to help the student reach a personal goal is so evident. Jason remained so confident that a 'light bulb' would come on that I started to believe it myself. He has put me on a good path now and did it with his confidence in me and by providing the right tools. Thank you for your patience, confidence in me, and your calm, pleasant way of teaching, Jason.

Jason M.

Jason M.

About Phil H.

About Phil

I have my degree from The Eastman School of Music and have played rock and roll for decades. My joy is bringing people to music and music playing. As Music is an infinite language it has always been an eternal joy to teach and relate to my beloved students what music can say to them and what they can convey to others.

*** Lesson Details ***"If music is not fun it is useless" I urge my students to play their instruments not practice! I will teach music theory as I teach you any style or all styles. Patience is the key and I am constantly filled with it. You will progress as you learn the ins and outs of your instrument and music.

*** Studio Equipment ***Room setup for lessons, with small keyboard and instruments. Ample parking available, parents can sit in on lessons and waiting area available.

*** Travel Equipment ***The student is

expected to provide the instrument including full keyboard or piano.

*** Specialties ***all

...

Reviews

Pamela March 19, 2017·Flute·In studio

Phil is so wonderful. After I retired I wanted to learn to play the flute, so I signed up for 30 minutes. I signed for 30 because you never know if you and the instructor are going to get along. I discovered that while I was in session I did fairly well. But once home alone, I would end up in tears. I decided to go from learning the flute to learning the clarinet. I was afraid I would have to find another teacher, but no. Phil pulled out his clarinet and I have been happy ever since! He has a calm demeanor, never talks down to you, multi-talented and encourages you. I finally had to go from 30 minutes to an hour. I found I would have about 15 minutes of questions on symbols, word meanings, etc.; which only left me 15 minutes of actual music. So this may also be something to think about.

Yvonne Bryant September 28, 2015·Mandolin·In home

Enjoying the lessons. Phil is very knowledgeable and pleasant.

Shulamit G. May 19, 2013·Drum·

great teacher

my son has really been enjoying hand drum lessons with phil. he's courteous and kind, and is good at engaging my almost-six year old and keeping him on task. he also is laid back and creates an atmosphere of fun, letting my son take the lead at times and being very collaborative.

Phil H.

Phil H.

About Jared L.

We start from the very basics and work our way up to eventually nailing some of that Scruggs style banjo! We also work on chord and scale knowledge and the application of banjo to different genres.

About Jared

I am passionate about music and I strive to share this passion with my students. I started playing guitar at age seven and have been hooked ever since. I have been teaching and playing gigs for years and I have just graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in Jazz Guitar Performance. I can help students with a variety of styles including Jazz, Blues, Country, Funk, Rock and Metal, Folk, Finger style and Classical guitar.

Lessons are tailored to where you are as a player, what your goals are and how serious you wish to be. No matter what, music should always be fun and something you love, and I believe I can help inspire you to have the same love for music that I have. You will find me to be a laid back teacher. Students will develop skills in a wide variety of areas including reading, chords, scales, modes, and

how to use all of this to make meaningful music.

...

Reviews

David D. August 4, 2017·Guitar·In home

Another great lesson. Jared is doing a great job at helping me focus on aspects that will help me break out of the mold I've locked myself into. I look forward to the next lesson.

Richard May 8, 2017·Guitar·In home

Very thorough and systematic in teaching, awesome!

Mark November 29, 2016·Banjo·In home

Very nice guy, good teacher. I was comfortable and felt I had a great first stab at banjo playing. I'm looking forward to my next lesson!!

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Jared L.

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Jared L.

Marietta, GA 30068

(4)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Gio A.

I've played guitar since I was eight years old and various other stringed instruments for several years. I love the banjo sound and played a bit on my original album Heliotropism. I'd love to help novice players get their feet wet with the instrument, strumming and plucking away at their favorite songs.

About Gio

I studied music at UCF (Orlando), focusing on classical and jazz guitar, but I also have years of experience playing rock, blues, folk, hip-hop, and musical theater on both guitar and drums.

I have been teaching guitar, drums, and piano for about eight years to students of all ages. Music is what I'm passionate about and it's what I enjoy. I want to inspire that same passion into the hearts and minds of others.

*** Lesson Details ***I am a laid-back teacher, fun, and I focus on the needs, abilities, and ambitions of the student. In turn, students must realize that learning an instrument takes a lot of work and dedication. One can't expect to learn very much if s/he only practices or thinks about the instrument during the lesson. If the student is willing to put some time into practicing, then I will help them go far!

Gio A.

Gio A.

About Frankie P.

Fun instrument for which I focus on the claw hammer technique and Earl Scruggs style rolls.

About Frankie

Being a Berklee College of Music Graduate with a Masters in Music Education from Boston University, I have been playing for almost 30 years and teaching private lessons for 15+, I am a Professional Instructor that has the ability and resources to teach several styles ranging from Rock to Classical to Jazz to Country to Metal. In other words, anything you want to learn I can teach you or your child using the songs and exercises necessary to help you become a real musician.

*** Lesson Details ***The lessons are tailored to you and your wants as a musician. Whether you have an electric, acoustic, or classical guitar, along with various method books, I have the music, print outs, and instructional material to make sure you progress as you should.

The lessons will help you learn to play guitar through chord diagrams,

theory, charts, examples, and exercises, as well as anything you hear on the radio.

*** Travel Equipment ***The students should have their own instrument and method book. Other that that, I provide all other handouts and supplemental material and handouts.

*** Specialties ***I work the most in rock, bluegrass, country, contemporary, and jazz styles.

...

Reviews

Anetta June 10, 2017·Piano·

Frankie teaches the perfect mix of fun and serious technique! His care to make sure the student not only learns but understands why and what they are learning has me excited to stick with piano for the long haul! I can't wait to se what future lessons bring! :)

Matthew December 29, 2016·Banjo·In studio

Great, knowledgeable teacher. Highly recommend.

Skye B. April 30, 2016·Clarinet·In home

He quickly assess my dayghter's level and began immediately teaching her new notes and how to read music.

Frankie P.

Frankie P.

About Andrew C.

Beginner to Advanced, from basic setup and tuning of the instrument, to all sorts of playing techniques, to some of the most significant pieces written for the instrument

About Andrew

Andrew is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, backing vocals) who settled in Las Vegas in 2013. After graduating with honors from Musicians Institute in 2008, he wrote a collection of acoustic guitar pieces licensed to The Weather Channel, then spent 5 years working as a show musician and top-40 musician for 3 cruise lines.

Upon arrival in Sin City, Andrew co-founded the local band “Tin Toy Cars” which consists of various Cirque du Soleil musicians from 2 shows. Their debut album entitled "Falling, Rust and Bones" is currently on hundreds of radio stations nationwide and has broken the all-time record for highest new artist debut on the A.M.A. Charts. Look for the album on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. In January 2016 the band had feature articles in dozens of newspapers and magazines in Las Vegas,

New York, and Los Angeles, and had many radio interviews scheduled to start the year. Their debut music video was premiered by The Huffington Post in March 2016 along with a feature interview.

Andrew also played the guitar/ukulele/mandolin chair in the pit orchestra for the show "Bright Side" which began in May 2016 and was showcased to pitch to Broadway. It's a musical written by Martin Kaye of "Million Dollar Quartet" (Harrahs Casino) and features a cast made up of performers from "Rock of Ages," "Blue Man Group," "Million Dollar Quartet," and others. The orchestra featured members of "Mystere," "Zarkana," "Vegas The Show," "Ka," and a former musical director for vocalist Andy WIlliams. He closed out 2016 performing in the musicals "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "American Idiot" alongside actors and musicians from "Ka," "The Beatles Love," "Million Dollar Quartet," "Blue Man Group," and "Rock of Ages."

Andrew's first 2 years in Las Vegas were also filled with many diverse performing situations up and down The Strip. These included a well-known top 40 and oldies band, a Mo-town tribute show, a country band that headlined the 2015 National Finals Rodeo, and a few others.

Andrew also owns an arranging and publishing company, HLC Publishing, which produces arrangements and sheet music for various Las Vegas performers, and a few cruise ship entertainers. Currently he is creating the guitar book for a new Rod Stewart and Tina Turner co-tribute act that will debut in February 2017, and he will also play guitar and mandolin in the show.

Andrew also teaches weekly lessons and plays Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at Family Worship Christian Church. During the lessons, Andrew uses the same software as his professionally arranged sheet music, to keep a journal for each student as they learn, and the journal is regularly emailed to the student as a PDF file.

Andrew C.

Andrew C.

About Mel P.

About Mel

I have tons of experience and formal university training in music education.

...

Reviews

Louis O. January 7, 2017·Violin·In studio

Mel is an excellent instructor, not to mention his experience and expertise as a violinist. Our son is five and looks forward to his lessons. We do not have a music background, and with Mel's instruction we have found it easy to practice at home.

- Louis O.'s parents

Anna August 10, 2016·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Although I was forced to select a subject of Acoustic Guitar on the review form, my children and I have also taken lessons with Mel Parker on every subject in the pick list plus a few more. Theory, composition, recording. Improvisation techniques, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, violin, bass, mandolin, ear training, techniques applied to all music genre's, group and solo performance techniques, ETC! The main point here is that as an accomplished and talented musician, Mel Parker is fluent in the music industry and very skilled at teaching all skill levels, from beginner to pro. He can teach very rigid focused lessons or he can shift and adjust the lesson instantly to meet the needs of the student. My children have been able to explore and experiment different instruments, genre's and other areas of the music industry as their interests grew and changed over the years. They have had many changes in their interests but the one constant has been the TEACHER! It is wonderful to be able to have 1 teacher adjust his education for the ever changing and growing needs of my family. Both of my children are now very accomplished award winning performers and we all agree that Mel Parker has been/is the primary influencer in their accomplishments.

Kim August 10, 2016·Violin·In home

My daughter has been one of Mel's violin students for 5+ years. He is an accomplished musician who teaches his students with a kind and gracious demeanor. She also has had the opportunity to play solo's in recitals and yearly contests that Mel's studio arranges for his students. Because of his well-rounded attention to instruction, practice, and performance, her growth as a violinist has been immense. This growth has also allowed her to compete at the district and state level in school.

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Mel P.

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Mel P.

Online

(7)

starting at

$29
/ 30-min

About Catherine B.

Catherine has performed and taught banjo throughout the USA, Australia and New Zealand, studying with renowned banjo players Noam Pikelny, Tony Trischka and Alan Munde. She graduated from the New Zealand School of Music in 2011 with a BMus, majoring in Jazz Performance. She won first place at the 2015 Freshgrass Banjo Contest and currently performs nationally with the band, Mile Twelve. She has taught banjo both privately and in group settings to all ages and levels for the past 10 years.

About Catherine

I've been playing the banjo for 13 years, beginning in my hometown of Marton, New Zealand. I very quickly fell in love with the instrument and have spent a lot of my time practicing, performing, teaching, recording and collaborating with other musicians ever since. As a teenager, I was given the opportunity to travel to the United States where I attended banjo camps and got to study with some great banjo players (Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny Alan Munde). In 2011, I graduated from the New Zealand School of Music with a BMus, majoring in Jazz Performance on the banjo. I moved to Boston shortly afterwards to pursue a career in music and have kept a busy teaching schedule privately in Boston and worldwide via Skype. I also perform throughout the United States with my bluegrass band, Mile Twelve. I'm very thankful to have met a wide spectrum of

different people while teaching the banjo and am always eager to meet more people who are interested in learning and sharing this great instrument. Please say hi if this sounds like you!

N.B If you can't see an available lesson time that suits your schedule please send me a message. My availability changes weekly depending on my touring schedule so I may have just the spot for you.

~ About the lessonsI structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building strong technique and a knowledge of the bluegrass banjo repertoire. Topics we will cover include Scruggs style, melodic style, single string technique, transcribing, arranging tunes, music theory and jamming or playing well with others.

We will start with talking about how to hold the banjo, tuning the banjo, playing with fingerpicks and how to read tablature. Then we will work through your first tunes in the bluegrass style gradually learning more tunes with harder techniques such as slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs etc. I take into account each students interests and goals so we will work on specific songs you request or licks you'd like to learn. You will have slow, medium and fast recordings of each tune we work on in the lessons as well at the tablature for that tune.

...

Reviews

David May 15, 2017·Banjo·In studio

I knew BB was the real deal when I hired her to record banjo on my first album 4-years ago--an intelligent player with a driving sound and warm personality. I enjoyed working with her so much that we now play music together professionally with the band Mile Twelve. In addition to her instrumental chops, she knows how to bring out the best in others. Her deep knowledge of and facility on the banjo combined with her generous and helpful disposition make her a teacher in high demand.

Howard April 4, 2017·Banjo·In studio

BB is a fabulous instructor. Obviously a great, talented musician, she is equally committed to her teaching skills. She is patient, inspiring and motivating...and lessons are great fun!

Mary June 8, 2016·Banjo·In home

BB is a great teacher. Her lessons focus allow me to start playing tunes right away. It provides immediate satisfaction to be able to make music with a new instrument.

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Catherine B.

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Catherine B.

Online

(10)

starting at

$60
/ 50-min

About Leanna F.

I became interested in clawhammer banjo while teaching guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago in the late nineties. It is a ton of fun to play and I soon got hooked. My background as a multi-instrumentalist gives me a unique perspective on clawhammer and I use this technique not only to play/teach Old Time, but other musical styles as well.Please note that I ONLY teach clawhammer and not 3 finger (Scruggs) style. Available to ages 13 and up.

About Leanna

I have been in the performing arts since age 3 and teaching music for over 20 years. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music (voice, classical guitar, and pedagogy) from BYU, I am a multi-instrumentalist and comfortable in many different styles and genres. I love to learn and this love infuses every aspect of my teaching style. My diverse career has included a season in the ASO Chorus under Robert Shaw, playing drums with the indie band Silent Kids, composing the theme song to PBS's Georgia Outdoors and fronting the Americana group Georgia Fireflies!

...

Reviews

EDWARD July 10, 2017·Banjo·Online

Leanna is an outstanding teacher. She is patient, has a plan in mind to help you learn the banjo and knows her stuff. I would recommend her to anyone.

EDWARD July 10, 2017·Banjo·Online

Scott September 13, 2016·Piano·In home

My 9 year old son and I have been consistently taking piano (for him) and clawhammer banjo lessons (for me) since January 2014. We go together, and it’s been wonderful tackling the challenge of learning something new at same time. Leanna is kind, flexible, but creates appropriate expectations so that you actually progress. She is also skilled and exceptionally reliable. We believe our son has enjoyed piano and stuck with it because Leanna is not only so good with children but has also chosen a great curriculum that progresses through songs and encourages a sense of confidence, without spending too much time bogged down in hardcore theory. He actually enjoys sitting down at the piano and practicing (usually…). And for me, I started too late and am too distracted with other things to be a great player, but I enjoy the process and love the instrument – especially nights out on the porch. And I enjoy trying to keep up with my son. But without Leanna, I wouldn’t be where I am now. So, would I recommend her to one of my best friends? You betcha.

Affordable

Effective

Banjo Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Banjo instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by John

"I had never played an instrument before I started taking clawhammer banjo lessons from Leanna about three years ago. Because of her knowledge of the banj

o, music theory, and her patience with a true beginner, I was playing my first song after just a couple classes. Leanna pushes you just enough so that it does not get boring but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. Thanks to Leanna I can now sit on my porch and play the old tunes that I grew up with! I have thoroughly enjoyed taking lessons from Leanna and look forward to many, many more!"

...

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Leanna F.

Review by EDWARD

"Leanna is an outstanding teacher. She is patient, has a plan in mind to help you learn the banjo and knows her stuff. I would recommend her to anyone."

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Leanna F.

Review by Audrey

"I have been taking lessons from Leanna for over a year, and have really enjoyed having her as my teacher! She is very knowledge about music theory, in add

ition to providing practical and accessible instruction for playing clawhammer banjo. While she does teach some old time tunes, she also teaches tunes of other genres, for those folks who don't want to stick to just old time."

...

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Leanna F.

Review by Hannah

"Leanna's lessons have really helped shape my artistry with many different instruments, not just with Banjo but with Drums, Guitar, and voice coaching. She

is a very talented instructor and performer. I absolutely recommend her classes to anyone with an enthusiastic interest in creating music."

...

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Leanna F.

Review by Joe

"Everything went great teacher is great can't wait until next lesson"

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Linda L.

Review by Jimesa

"Really nice, lets you learn at your own pace, lets you choose the type of music that she will teach you so that you stay interested throughout the program!"

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Linda L.

Review by Mark

"James has a very good background in music theory and various stringed instruments, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. He's a patient teacher

that has really helped a novice player like myself get my bearings. Thanks James!"

...

Atlanta, GA teacher:
James L.

Review by Glenda

"Very helpful and lesson was at my growing edge- I look forward to more. Linda is very easy to relate to."

Atlanta, GA teacher:
Linda L.

Review by Ella

"Linda is easily the most patient and welcoming person I've ever worked with. She has incredible knowledge over a vast array of topics and she is eager to

share with others. This, in my opinion, is the most important quality of all teachers. Her lessons have proved a great way to build a solid base in my field of interest. as well as providing me with a well rounded and wonderful mentor that I'm sure to rely on for many other lessons in the future- banjo or otherwise!"

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Loud, jangly, and twangy, the banjo is an instrument with a distinctive voice that immediately evokes the spirit of the American South. Long a mainstay of bluegrass music, banjos have recently been incorporated into pop music as well by bands like Mumford and Sons.
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Loud, jangly, and twangy, the banjo is an instrument with a distinctive voice that immediately evokes the spirit of the American South. Long a mainstay of bluegrass music, banjos have recently been incorporated into pop music as well by bands like Mumford and Sons.
And, if YouTube trends are any indication, it looks like the banjo is making another genre shift!
A pack of viral videos featuring banjo covers of hard rock classics are making the rounds and proving that banjos can shred just a

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We came across a great article over on Donna Schw